Highlights of the indoor events and workshops By Ruth Whelan
Mountaineering Ireland’s Autumn Gathering took place from 11–13 October, hosted by Sligo Mountaineering Club. The event had over 160 attendees, including members, staff and board representatives, and was based out of the Sligo Southern Hotel, a convenient location for the group to explore the stunning Sligo hills.
Mountaineering Ireland president Rita Connell formally opened the Gathering. CEO Liam Feeley gave a warm welcome to everyone and introduced John Lydon, chair of Sligo Mountaineering Club. John gave an account of the club’s activities over the past 50 years and also a wonderful introduction to the hills of Sligo.
Picture: John Lydon Chairperson Sligo Mountaineering Club
As well as ten fantastic walks organised by the club on the Saturday, the Mountaineering Ireland team led three workshops: a scrambling skills workshop, a climbing workshop and an environmental walk with Ruth Hanniffy, Biodiversity Officer of Sligo County Council – this focused on upland wildlife, their habitats and how we can help protect the places where we walk.
Picture: On the way to Benwiskin
Mountaineering Ireland chair David Pollard and Liam Feeley facilitated our Members’ Forum, where members raised interesting questions on various topics. The importance of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, and recognition of Mountaineering Ireland as a key stakeholder in this process, was highlighted.
The question of whether paper maps were still necessary, and how they could be funded, was discussed. Members felt it was important to find ways to support map development, both in paper and digital formats. Members also requested support in applying for grants. Concerns were then raised about the amount of new infrastructure in the hills, asking how much was too much, and enquiring how members felt about this issue. There was lively discussion, with the value of information signage being acknowledged, concern that signage was excessive and intrusive in some places, and a suggestion for more marked routes in certain locations.
Other topics discussed included dog control, access issues and how to encourage farmers to allow access.
Members were encouraged to make an input to public consultations and to emphasise the importance of outdoor recreation activities to general election candidates.
The evening concluded with a celebratory dinner, which offered a social opportunity for attendees to connect. After dinner, Rita Connell presented a gift of appreciation to Patrick O’Sullivan, not only for his dedication as editor of the Irish Mountain Log, a position he held for more than 20 years, but for his outstanding contribution as a long-standing Mountaineering Ireland volunteer.
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Pictured at the Autumn Gathering in Sligo: Mountaineering Ireland president Rita Connell presenting Patrick O’Sullivan with a framed print of a photo by Eoghan Kavanagh (Skyline Gallery) to mark his retirement as editor of the Irish Mountain Log. The photograph shows Carrauntoohil and the Hag’s Tooth in the MacGillycuddy Reeks, chosen because Patrick’s parents came from nearby Beaufort.
Workshops delivered by Mountaineering Ireland staff on the Sunday included a club support session, a club training workshop and a discussion on the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy with Helen Lawless and Trish Kane, Outdoor Recreation Officer with the Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership.
Picutre: Trish Kane, Outdoor Recreation Officer in Sligo (one of six pilot officers in this role), with Helen Lawless (Mountaineering Ireland) and Deirdre Lavin, CEO Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership ,at a workshop about County Outdoor Recreation Plans
Highlights of the outdoor events By John Lydon
When Sligo Mountaineering Club threw open its doors to hikers across Ireland for this year’s Autumn Gathering, it was not just another gathering: it was a celebration of half a century on the mountains. This milestone marked fifty years of camaraderie, rugged hikes and countless summits.
Hosting this year’s gathering was an honour for our club, and we took pride in making it a memorable experience. Over the years, the club has become a hallmark of consistency and commitment in the hiking community, with members ranging from seasoned mountaineers to those just beginning to discover the hills.
The autumn weekend in Sligo offered ten hikes across varied terrains to suit skill levels from moderate to challenging, inviting members to stretch their limits or simply enjoy the splendour of the outdoors, whether through Sligo’s rugged terrain or the neighbouring counties’ scenic vistas.
The event headquarters, the Sligo Southern Hotel, was a bustling hub where hikers gathered, swapped stories and shared tips. Participants either carpooled or took a bus to their start-points, eager for adventure.
For many, the highlight was the Dartry Mountains range, a geological marvel with its limestone cliffs and stunning escarpments, providing breathtaking backdrops. The Dartry Mountains, notably Benbulben, hold layers of rock that display 340 million years of global history – a “gâteau” of geological time.
While many routes wove through the plateau’s limestone bogs, others explored hidden gems like King’s Gully, Balcony Cave and the mysterious fissures carved into the rock – a journey into the heart of the mountain.
The unforgettable views from the summit of Benbulben, Ireland’s “tabletop mountain,” stretched far across the Mayo and Sligo coasts to Donegal Bay. Those who ventured onto Copes Mountain were treated to one of Sligo’s lesser-known peaks, with nearby landmarks like Hangman’s Hill and Keelogyboy adding both challenge and beauty.
A coastal walk near Lissadell brought hikers to the coastline’s edge, while others chose a historical hike to the Bricklieves and the megalithic tombs of Carrowkeel.
No hiking weekend in Sligo would be complete without a journey to Knocknarea, steeped in legend and a place that captures the spirit of Irish mythology. The tale of Queen Maeve, the Iron Age warrior queen of Connacht, was a story often recited along the way.
As the gathering wrapped up, it was clear from the beaming faces and enthusiastic feedback that Sligo had left an impression on our guests. This success was no small feat – it took months of dedication from the club’s Meets Committee and our steadfast partners at Mountaineering Ireland HQ to organise an event on this scale. The weekend showcased not only our beloved landscape but also the warm spirit of the club’s members who guided the hikes. These guides brought the mountains to life with their passion and knowledge.
As we celebrate Sligo Mountaineering Club’s fiftieth anniversary, we look not only to our past but to the years ahead.
Each social event over the last year has carried themes of reflection, celebration and anticipation for the future. Highlights included a commemorative slideshow, outdoor activities, a special hike honouring those who loved the mountains, a stunning drone video capturing the sweeping landscapes, and the release of a 50th anniversary book – a testament to our history.
To all who travelled from near and far to celebrate with us, we extend a heartfelt thank you. As you return to your own area, know that the Sligo mountains and our club welcome you back any time. And for those who have not yet visited, consider this your invitation. Join us for a hike; discover our home routes and the warmth of our club.
Fifty years on, Sligo Mountaineering Club remains not just a group of hikers, but a family bound by the mountains, ever eager to share their beauty with friends old and new.
We would like to sincerely thank Sligo Mountaineering Club, the Sligo Southern Hotel and all the staff in Mountaineering Ireland who helped organise a fantastic gathering.